Letters to the Editor, Aug. 8

Ohio Governor John Kasich speaks with the media in the spin room after the Republican presidential debate at the Quicken Loans Arena on Aug. 6, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Brian Cahn/Zuma Press/TNS)

Ohio Governor John Kasich speaks with the media in the spin room...

In regards to the so-called Republican debate on Fox News: First Fox declared that an average of national polls would determine which ten candidates would appear during prime time, allowing plenty of time for some to buy advertising on Fox in an attempt to boost their poll numbers. Then Fox cherry-picks which polls to include, allowing them to select which candidates place 10th and 11th. Finally, Fox anchors ask questions that increased the chance of verbal fireworks between certain candidates, showing little regard for substantive discussion. This was not a real debate, but rather just another scripted reality TV show.

Stephen Upjohn, San Francisco

Trump’s logic

At the first Republican Presidential debate, Donald Trump said two things, among others. He would not pledge not to run as an independent if he didn’t get the Republican nomination, which would probably dilute the vote for the Republican nominee, thus handing over the election to the Democrats, probably Hillary Rodham Clinton.

He, like many others, has donated money to various political parties and nominees to gain favors in the future that would benefit his businesses and him personally. It seems that Trump is saying that the choice for the Republican Party is to make him president or make Hillary Clinton president.

Just think of the favors he could get from the oval office if he didn’t just donate money to help her become president, rather, he made her president. When your bottom line is your first concern, the way you improve it is of no concern. A profitable win/win situation for Trump, but not the country.

Robert Mayne, Walnut Creek

Missing beards

The Republican goons on display in last nights Fox News charade are apparently running for Ayatollah, not President. All espouse theocracy, war, and oppression. The only things lacking are the beards.

Paul Rude, Berkeley

Erratic cyclists

Regarding “Cyclists’ antistopping campaign is on a roll” (Aug. 6): I write in support of the position taken by Captain John Sanford and his attempt to make the Park District a safer place for everyone, including bicyclists. Both the Bicycle Coalition as well as the sponsor of the online petition referenced in the article ignore the fact that too many bicyclists ride in an utterly reckless manner, endangering themselves, but more importantly, innocent pedestrians who are threatened by their erratic and negligent behavior.

Their argument that the police should ignore bicycle safety and concentrate only on vehicular traffic because of its greater potential for harm is shear nonsense and merely encourages those irresponsible bicyclists to whom this irrational argument gives license. Should we tell doctors, for example, to ignore heart disease because cancer is worse? The simple fact of the matter is that bicyclists, like motorists and pedestrians, are not above the law, despite what some may think.

As to all who think that the “Idaho” law is the answer, compare the statistics of accidents involving bicyclists in both Boise, a city with a density of less than 20 percent of San Francisco’s, with San Francisco’s numbers. You will find the comparison instructive.

Ed Fisch, San Francisco

PG&E’s policy

Regarding “Solar customers’ incentives may fade” (Aug. 5): PG&E’s support for rooftop solar is undeniable. We have helped more customers go solar than any other utility nationwide. Our connection time is among the shortest anywhere — five days versus an average of four weeks elsewhere. We’re even introducing an incentive program for our own employees to use solar. To sustain faster growth of rooftop solar, we need smart energy reform.

The policies in place today date back to the 1990s. We wouldn’t dream of having the same gas mileage requirements for our cars, the same cell phone plans or the same haircuts as we did 20 years ago.

The legislatures direction that regulators devise a more sustainable approach to solar pricing reflects this reality. PG&E’s commitment to expanding solar remains strong. Our reform proposal would allow new solar customers to reduce typical electric bills by more than 50 percent while beginning the process of creating a more sustainable approach necessary for the growth of solar, battery storage, and electric vehicles.

By working together with solar companies and energy providers, we can achieve smart energy reform that will help solar grow in a way that benefits all Californians.

Tim Fitzpatrick, San Francisco

Pot research

Last week, new Drug Enforcement Agency chief Chuck Rosenberg was asked about marijuana versus heroin. His reply: “Do I think it (marijuana) is as dangerous as heroin? Probably not. I’m not an expert.” This week, apparently after some research, he admitted: “Heroin is clearly more dangerous than marijuana.”

Two points. One, shouldn’t the DEA chief be an “expert?” And two, does he not have access to the National Institute of Drug Abuse website? The necessary information is there. In 2013, in the United States, there were more than 8,000 heroin overdose deaths, and zero marijuana overdose deaths.

Isn’t it time to remove marijuana from the Schedule l list of drugs that includes heroin and LSD? Schedule 1 drugs are viewed as having no medical value. Schedule 2 through 5 drugs do. The higher the number, the more medical value. I’m certain marijuana’s a Schedule 5 ... but I’d settle for a Schedule 2.